Locker with accumulation mechanism



Dec. 20, 1960 w F STACKHOUSE 2,965,210

LOCKER WITH ACCUMULATION MECHANISM 5M w Y Y Dec. 20, 1960 w. F. sTAcKHousE 2,965,210

LocxER WITH ACCUMULATION MECHANISM Filed Nov. 8, 1957 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 20, 1960 Filed Nov. 8, 1957 W. F. STACKHOUSE LOCKER WITH ACCUMULATION MECHANISM 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 :megs

Dec. 20, 1960 2,965,210

W. F. STACKHOUSE LOCKER WITH ACCUMULATION MECHANISM Filed Nov. 8. 1957 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 20, 1960 sTAcKHoUsE 2,965,210

LOCKER WITH ACCUMULATION MECHANISM Filed Nov. 8, 1957 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 20, 1960 Filed Nov. 8, 1957 W. F. STACKHOUSE LOCKER WITH ACCUMULATION MECHANISM 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Izzvezaoa:

nited States pa 2,965,210 l Y LocKER WITH ACCUMULATION MECHANISM Wells F. Stackhouse, Andover, Mass., assignor to ,Amer-i ican Locker Company, Inc., Boston, Mass., a corpora-l tion of Delaware V i Filed Nov.v8, 1957, Ser. No. 695,314 14 Claims. (Cl. 194-9) This invention relates to coin controlledlockers and the like and more particularly Vto novel mechanism for automatically serving patrons in the use of parcel checking lockers for a rst predetermined time period payable effec-ted by rotationvof agseond'ary lodi,`

in advance by the depositing of predetermined` coin and for one or more predetermined time periods following the rst predetermined time period and-payable upon return of the patron to the locker. For purposes of illustration and convenience, I have herein disclosed the invention in association with such checking lockers, it being understood however that the invention is applicable generally to coin controlled lockers involving a time period or periods. known and in use are normally Vin unlocked position and.-

can be locked with the deposited parcels therein only.

upon the depositing of predetermined coin in the locker. Such checking is ordinarily for a period of twenty-four hours and if not then reclaimed the locker is opened and the parcels removed and stored pending call from the patron who thereupon is required to pay for the additional service time. This procedure requires considerable manual service, costly and inconvenient for bothv patron and management, especially to patrol the lockers and store and service the parcels so that the lockers thus used can again be placed in service. A primary object of the invention resides in the production of an improved locker adapted automatically to serve both prepad and credit service and thereby eliminate this'very substantial service expense and inconvenience required in checking lockers heretofore known.

The invention contemplates the employment of a' timer-controlled accumulator disposed to register in each locker the storage time consumed by the patron, such time being divided into a rst predetermined time period, during which the patron can reclaim his parcels merely by inserting his locker key and opening the locker,v and one or more subsequent time periods whichare registered on the accumulator and during which the patron can open the locker and reclaim his parcels after first depositing predetermined coin corresponding to the total time period or periods for which payment isdue. The production of a novel checking locker of this nature as and for the purpose described comprises another object of the invention. v

'A further feature of the invention resides in the-production of a novel secondary lock cooperating with the primary and coin controlled lock of each lockerwhereby the locker can be opened by management when required and without tampering with or moving the primary lock, it-being understood that no master key is then required for the primary lock and that the patron therefore has exclusive access to the locker by way of the coin controlled and key operated primary lock; The production of a novel combination of this nature as and Parcel checking lockers heretoforef sie for thelpnrpose described comprises a further object of Y the invention.

p drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary front elevation of'a bank of checking lockers,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged front elevation of a locker with the front panel removed and the door in normal unlockedl position,l

' Fig. 2a is a detail view taken on line 2a-2a of Fig. 2, Fig.4 2b is a side elevation of a coin chute shown in Fig. 2a, 4

i Fig. 3 is a like view with the door in locked position, Fig. 4 is a-like view with the door'in unlocked position FigfS is an enlarg'edlelevation of Vanaccurnulator illustrated in Figs 2 ,and-*3,`` l

`Fig. 6 is an' venlarged'fragmentary sectional view taken ,Y online 6--6of Figi 4, and

Fig. 7 is a schematic wiring diagram` of the controlling mechanism. Y

The invention is particularly applicable to parcel checking lockers and is herein illustrated and described in combination with such mechanism. In the drawing,

f 10 indicates a bank of parcel checking lockers each having a door 12 pivoted at 14 and including a removable front panel 1'5. Each door is provided with a coin controlled lock 18 and a coin receiving mechanism 20 is dist posed beneath a coin slot 22 in the panel 15.

The pawl normally serves to prevent movement of the:`

Two locking bolts 24 are provided for locking the door in closed position and both bolts are pivotally connected at their inner ends to a member 25 pivotally supported at 26 on the top end of a link 27 pivoted at its bottom end 28 to the door. A link 30`is pivotally con-"v nected at one end to a rotary disc 31 on the lock 18 and at its other end to the member 25 at 26. The arrangement permits movement of the bolts by the link 30 to and from the unlocked and locked positions shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

A link 32 is pivotally connected atl its top end to the lower bolt 24 and at its bottom end tovan arm 33 on a secondary key operated lock 34. The lockv34 is illustrated in normal locked position in Figs.; 2 and 3 and Y when unlocked and rotated clockwise is adapted to withdraw 'the bolts -24 from the locked position of Fig. 3j

to the unlocked position of Fig. 4 independently of the lock 18. Since -the link 30 is connected to the member 25 at the axis 26 on "which the member is supported, movementof the member by this link will be bodily, not rotative. Since the link 32 is connected to the member 25 eccentrically of the axisZ, movement of the member by this link will be rotative about its supporting vaxis 26. Mechanism (not shown) is also provided' for. automatically locking the front panel 15 in place on the door when the lock 34 is rotated to door locking position and for releasing vthe panel when the lock is rotated to door unlocking position.

Pivoted at 36 to thedoor beneath the c oin receiving mechanism 2t) is a pawl 37 having a hook-like end 38 overhanging a rear portion hook 40` of the member 25, the pawl normally being in the position of Fig. 4 by gravity and being pivotally movable rearwardly to the position of Figs. 2 and 3 when engaged by :the hook 40.

Patented Dec. y2O,

nsctiori te the liek 32 causes $11911 raising ofthe member- 25. The pawl is disposed laterally of a coin gpiding-vchan-,l

nel 42 having an inclined wallA 41 and carries two coin engagmg pms 43 extending into the. channel through a cutf out notch 45. When a coin 44 is deposited in the slot 22u it falls dgwn the wall 41m the positiva of Pig` 2 wherein the pins engage the coin and prevent saiddownward piv.- otal movement of the pawl when the hook 4Q` is Vvraised upwardly. Continued movement of the member 25 to the position of Eig. 3 pivots the pawl rearwardly andl releases the coin which thereupon falls into they coin box. When no coin is present the pawl falls by gravity into position for engagement with the hook 40` when the member 25 is raised.

Disposed within the coin receiving mechanism 20 is a coin deliector 46 which'normally deects an inserted coin into a coin return chute 48. However, when the parts are in the unlocked positionof Fig. 2 a rod 49, connected at its ends tothe mechanismv 20 and link 30 engages an arm 50 and holds the deiiector in inoperative position perrnitting the coin to passinto the channel 42x. When the locker is in use and the parts are in the locked position of` Fig.3 the deiiector is in normal positionto deiiect inserted coins into the return chute 48. The C013. return chute is available t the Patton.. through :reopening 525511 the 4front panel 15.

Disposed in each locker door beneath the panel 175V isa n accumulator 54 on which is automatically registered the time periods during which the-locker is in use. The accumulator comprises a ratchet wheel` 55 rotatably mounted o n a post 56. At one side of the post-the wheel is provided'wth a series of ratchet` teeth 58 and cooperating therewith is a pawl 59 on the free end of a member 60 pivoted at612. A link 63 connects the member to the core of a solenoid 64. The arrangement is such that energizing of the solenoid pivots the member upwardly and rotates the ratchet wheel the distanceof one tooth. A

spring actuatedV roller 61 cooperates with aseries o fnotches 65 on the ratchet wheel accurately to vposition the Wheel in its step by step movements. The solenoid is periodically energized by timing mechanismnow to Ibe described.

As illustrated in the drawings,` a timing mechanism unit 66 is provided in each bank of lockers and is wired in cir,- cuitlfrom the solenoid 64 of each locker in the bank in the manner illustrated in Fig. 7. The wiring includes leadink wires 67 and 68 and from which is operated a synchronous electric motor 69 connected to drive -a cam wheel 70through reduction gearing in a casing 72p. At each rotation the cam wheel `is disposed to close a normally open switch 74 inthe circuit 67 which thereupon energizes all solenoids 64 Ain the circuit and rotates the ratchetl wheels` '5 a distance 'of one tooth 58.y For convenience of description herein the cam wheel 70 makes one rotaf tion each six hours, thus moving each ratchet wheei the distance of four teeth 58 each twenty-four hours,

rod 75 is pivotally connected at one endto the disc 31 of the lock 18 and a slotted portion 76 on its other end engages a pin 78 on the ratchetfwheel, When the lock assumo 4 pgwl? message the .first teeth SS and the nestleeth are likewise engaged in succession to give the ratchet wheel a step by step rotation. A time period of six hours el-apses between each two consecutive step movements of the ratchet wheel and therefore each four steps, following the initial step, represents a full 24 hour period. It will be understood that the patron will -ordinarily close the locker during a six hour period and, since he is entitled to a full 24 hour period of storage for the deposited coin, his recorded storage time begins at the end of such six hour period which is also the beginning of the tirst full six hour period, i.,e. with the iirst impulse movement of the ratchet wheel. During such full 24 hour period the patron can open the locker and reclaim his parcels merely by inserting hischeck key 79 and rotating the lock 1,8 to the unlocked position of Fig. 2.

If the patron has not thus reclaimed his parcels, the next and fifth step movement of the ratchet wheel starts a second 24 hour period and at this time a pin 80 on the ratchet wheel engages a lever 81 and closes a normally open switch 82. This switch is in aA circuit 84 including therein a normally open switch 86 and solenoids 87 and 88. The switch 86 is adapted to be closed by a lever 90 when the key 79 is inserted in the lock 18, such insertion projecting a pin 91 outwardly into contact with the lever. Such closing of the circuit energizes the solenoids 87 and 88. The function of the solenoid 87 is to move the coin deector 46 to inoperative position permitting an inserted coin topass into the channel 42, and the function of the solenoid 88 is to block opening movement of the lock untilthe storage due coins have been deposited. Thecore.

of the solenoid` 88 is connected to one end of a pivotedlever 92 having its other end disposed outwardly of a lug 93 on the lock disc 31. Energizing of the solenoid moves the lever into the path of movement of the lug and blocks rotation of the lock- Thus the patron is prevented from opening the locker.

When the ratchet wheel 5,5 is rotated into the second predetermined time period position a second coin paye ment becomes due and at this time the ratchet wheel pivots an indicator 94 to a position exposing the 10 due amount through an opening 95 in the front panel 15. The indicator is pivoted at 96 and normally falls by gravity to a position engaging a roller 97 thereon with a stepped portion 89 of the ratchet wheel which automatically serves to pivot the indicator to proper indicating position.

If the patron returns during the second predetermined time period and drops the required coin into the slot 22 position and permit the coin to pass into the channel 42 18'is rotated' to the door unlocked position of Fig. 2 the rod rotates the ratchet wheel clockwise to zero position and holdsit Vin such position. When a patron deposits a coin 44 and rotates the lock 18 to the door locked posit-ion of Fig. 3 the rod 75 is moved forwardly and releases the ratchet wheel for counterclockwise movement through energizing of the solenoid 64.

When the ratchet wheel 5'5 is in zero position the tit'st` impulse from the timer 66 to the solenoid 64 causes the and thence into the coin box. Duringrsuch passage the coin engages an arm 98 and closes a normally open switch 99 in a circuit 100, thereby energizing a solenoid 101in the circuit. The core of this solenoid is connected to a member 102 pivoted at 103 and carrying a pawl A104 on its free end. The pawl is disposed to engage a notch 105 in the ratchet wheel andreversely rotate the wheel to a position cancelling theV l0 paymentdue, thus permitting the switch 82 to open and permitting opening movement ofthelock 18. The notch 105 is so located that vthe extent of this movement just frees the pin from thelever 81 and permits the switch 82 to open,A thereby'deenergizing the solenoids 87 and 88.

If the patron does not return during the second predetermined time period, including the fth to eighth teeth 58 on the ratchetrwheel, the accumulator starts a third predetermined time period as the ninth tooth is engaged by the pawl 59the indicator 94 also being automatically moved to expose at the opening the 20 payment due. This last impulse moves the ratchet wheel to a position wherein a notch 10.6v therein is in position. to be eggaged by the pawl 104. If the patron then returns before the next timed impulse movement of the ratchet wheel and If the key has,

deposits one due c oin, the solenoid 101 is energized and engages the pawl 104 with the notch 106, thereby reversely rotating the ratchet wheel to a position cancelling the last due payment and automatically moving the indicator 94 back to the 10 due payment position. The patron is thereupon required to deposit the further coin still due before he can open the locker.

The next timed impulse moves the ratchet wheel to a position wherein the pawl 104 is disposed to engage a notch 107 and if the patron then returns during the 20 payment due period and deposits a coin the pawl 104 will engage the notch 107 and reversely rotate the wheel back to the l due position. The notches 10S-107 are so located that the ratchet wheel will be reversely rotated only the amount necessary to cancel the charge for which the coin deposit payment is made.

If the patron` fails to return during the 20 payment due period the impulsed action of the pawl 59 on the thirteenth tooth 58 will at the end of such period rotate the ratchet wheel into a fourth time period and indicate 30 payment due at the opening 95. This movement also places a notch 108 in position to be engaged by the pawl 104. When the patron returns and deposits a coin the pawl 104 engages the notch 108 and reversely rotates the ratchet wheel to the 20 payment position. The patron must thereafter also make the 20 and 10 payments before he can open the locker and reclaim his parcels.

It will be understood that a fifth and such further time periods can be employed as are found necessary and desirable. It will also be understood that predetermined time periods and predetermined coin values employed herein in describing the invention are for descriptive purposes only and that such periods and values can be employed as are found necessary and desirable. Also, while I have herein specifically illustrated and described an electrically operated system for effecting the objects of the invention, the carrying out of such objects mechanically or otherwise is contemplated as being within the scope of the invention. The use of multiple locking bolts 24 in the combination illustrated and described provides added security and safety in checking lockers.

Having thus disclosed my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. Coin controlled locker mechanism comprising a door, a movable bolt for locking the door in closed position, releasable means for preventing movement of the bolt to door locking position, coin receiving and controlled mechanism for releasing the releasable means and permitting door locking movement of the bolt when predetermined coin is deposited in said mechanism, key operated mechanism for moving the bolt to door locked and unlocked positions, an accumulator, means including timing mechanism for incrementally registering successive time periods at the ends of such periods on the accumulator following locking of the door, means for blocking unlocking movement of the bolt at the end of a first predetermined time period registered on the accumulator, and means for rendering said blocking means inoperative when second predetermined coin is deposited in the coin receiving mechanism during a second and consecutive predetermined time period registered on the accumulator.

2. The locker mechanism defined in claim l in which said means including timing mechanism is adapted to register further and successive time periods on the accumulator and said blocking means is rendered inoperative when total predetermined coin corresponding to the total predetermined time periods registered on the accumulator are deposited in the coin receiving mechanism.

3. The locker mechanism defined in claim 2 plus means for automatically cancelling from the accumulator the last predetermined time period registered thereon subsequently to said second predetermined time period when predetermined coin is deposited in the coin receiving mechanism.

4. The locker mechanism dened in claim 3 in which 5. The locker mechanism defined in claim l plus a link' connecting the key operated mechanism to the accumulator for returning the accumulator to its original position whenthe bolt is moved from door locked to unlocked position.

6. The locker mechanism defined in claim 1 in which the means including timing mechanism includes a solenoid under the control of the timing mechanism and ratchet mechanism operated by the solenoid for periodically registering said successive time periods on the accumulator.

7. The locker mechanism defined in claim 6 in which the means for blocking unlocking movement of the bolt includes an electric circuit and a normally open switch in the circuit disposed to be closed by the accumulator at the end of said first predetermined time period registered on the accumulator.

8. The locker mechanism defined in claim 7 in which said key operated mechanism includes a lock with a removable key and said blocking means includes a solenoid in said circuit, a normally open switch in the circuit and means for closing the normally open switch when the key is inserted in the lock.

9. Coin controlled locker mechanism comprising a plurality of lockers, a timing mechanism, each of said lockers having a door, a movable bolt for locking the door in closed position, releasable means for preventing movement of the bolt to door locking position, coin receiving and controlled mechanism for releasing the releasable means and permitting door locking movement of the bolt when predetermined coin is deposited in said mechanism, key operated mechanism for moving the bolt to door locked and unlocked positions, an accumulator, means associated with said timing mechanism for incrementally registering successive time periods on the accumulator of each locker following locking of its door, means for blocking unlocking movement of the bolt at the end of a vfirst predetermined time period registered on the accumulator, and means for rendering said blocking means inoperative when second predetermined coin is deposited in the coin receiving mechanism during a second and consecutive predetermined time period registered on the accumulator.

10. Coin controlled locker mechanism comprising a door, a locking bolt for the door mounted for movement to and from door locked and unlocked positions, a coin controlled lock, means including a member pivotally connected to the bolt and a first link pivotally connected to the member and to said lock for moving the bolt to and from said positions, a key operated lock, and means including a second link connecting said key operated lock and said member for moving the bolt from locked to unlocked position and return without moving the coin controlled lock.

1l. The locker mechanism defined in claim l0 thus means including a third link pivotally connected to said member on a common -aXis with the second named pivotal connection and pivoted to the door remote from said axis for supporting the member on the door.

12. Locking mechanism comprising rotary primary and secondary locks, a pivotally mounted member, a locking bolt pivotally connected to the member eccentrically of its pivot axis and movable with the member to locked and unlocked positions, means connecting one of the locks to the member at said axis and adapted upon rotation of such lock to move the member bodily and the bolt to said locked and unlocked positions, and means connecting the other lock to the member eccentrically of said axis and adapted upon rotation of such lock to pivot the member on said axis and move the bolt to said locked and unlocked positions. 

